To avoid the potential for trouble at intersections with stoplights, the Gander Volunteer Fire Department now has the means to change a red light to green at a faster rate.
The new traffic light override system, which was installed this spring, will allow fire trucks facing a red light to change the intersecting green signal to amber and then red much sooner than the regular light sequence allow.
“When they pull up, they can push the button in advance,” said Coun. Rob Anstey, chair of the public safety committee. “They don’t go bang, and you’re caught ... they know they can change these lights, but they also know they have to watch what’s happening and can’t just plow through.”
The dangers for fire trucks approaching intersections was apparent this April, when the mobile command truck was involved in a accident with a pickup at the intersection of Airport Boulevard and Elizabeth Drive. The department was responding to a call at the time of the accident.
“We’re trying to cut down on some of the problems we have at intersections, and to expedite our response to accidents.” - Fire Chief Dave Brett
“It has been looked at for a nice while, because we’ve been getting busier and busier,” said Coun. Anstey, who added the system is in use in many other communities across the province.
Fire Chief Dave Brett said the public needs to be aware the system is in place.
“We’re trying to make people aware they are being installed,” he said, adding they have been set up on two sets of lights, with the rest to follow soon.
“We’re trying to cut down on some of the problems we have at intersections, and to expedite our response to accidents. Caution is still advised for everybody at all intersections, including emergency vehicle drivers.”
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